Ninja Meets Digital Sports: A Thrilling Collaboration Event in Fukuoka

Ninja Meets Digital Sports: The SASSEN Ninja Battle Event

From May 2 to May 6, 2026, a thrilling event called the SASSEN Ninja Battle was held at various Aeon Kyushu stores in Fukuoka. Organized by the Japan SASSEN Association, headquartered in Tokyo with its roots in Kitakyushu, this exciting collaboration with the Fukuoka Kuroda Ninja Team showcased next-generation digital sports SASSEN and Cyber KASSEN. Over the five days, approximately 900 attendees eagerly participated, creating a vibrant atmosphere at each venue.

The occasion was sparked by a prior appearance on Fukuoka's local broadcasting channel TVQ, where the Kuroda Ninja Team featured in a program titled 'Blue River's Wish.' As a result, discussions emerged between the Japan SASSEN Association and the ninja team to explore innovative collaboration opportunities. This led to the partnership with Aeon Kyushu, which facilitated this event.

At the event, participants could experience two unique sports: SASSEN, allowing one-on-one battles with real ninjas, and Cyber KASSEN, a team-based competition involving three-on-three matchups. The interactive setting included various programs such as ninja acrobatics and exhibition matches, engaging attendees in different ways.

Throughout the event, participants eagerly lined up for the experiences, with traffic ranging from 150 to 250 participants daily. The novelty of competing against ninjas in a sport originating from Kitakyushu drew enthusiastic feedback, with many expressing sentiments like “It was fun!”, “I loved it, even though it was my first time!” and “I want to do it again.”

This event marked a successful collaboration between the Japan SASSEN Association’s Fukuoka and Kitakyushu branches, offering attendees an opportunity to simultaneously experience both SASSEN and Cyber KASSEN. Many participants reveled in the chance to engage in serious one-on-one duels as well as collaborative group battles, showcasing the distinct appeals of each format.

Overall, the event illustrated the potential for new experiential opportunities by maximizing each party’s strengths to create an engaging fusion of SASSEN and ninja culture. The Japan SASSEN Association is committed to continuing these efforts through SASSEN and Cyber KASSEN, aimed at regional revitalization, intergenerational exchange, and creating new pathways for experiential value.

Event Overview

- Event Name: SASSEN Ninja Battle at Aeon Kyushu
- Dates: May 2 (Sat) - May 6 (Wed), 2026
- Venue: Various Aeon Kyushu stores

- May 2: Aeon Style Sasaka
- May 3: Aeon Wakamatsu SC
- May 4: Aeon Honami SC
- May 5: Aeon Otagane SC
- May 6: Aeon Yatsushiro SC

- Main Activities: SASSEN Ninja Battle Experience Booths
- Participants: Approximately 900 individuals
- Organizer: Aeon Kyushu Co., Ltd.
- Event Partner: WARSAL Fukuoka School
- Exhibition Cooperation: Japan SASSEN Association
- Operation: Japan SASSEN Association’s Fukuoka and Kitakyushu branches

About SASSEN

SASSEN is an innovative digital swordplay competition incorporating sensor-equipped safe swords and an app for automatic judgment. Designed for enjoyment across all ages, it is a versatile activity widely utilized in educational, community, and corporate training events. Learn more here.

About Cyber KASSEN

Cyber KASSEN is a collective battle-focused digital sport built on SASSEN technology. It enables simultaneous competitive play among multiple participants via Wi-Fi, offering a fresh and strategic warfare experience that emphasizes teamwork. Discover more here.